City Buzz: New shops coming to Meadowhall

Sarah Marshall & Rochelle Barrand

An iconic women’s fashion brand, a heritage shirt store and a premium coffee supplier are among the retailers who will soon open new premises at Meadowhall.

The news comes as the first phase of the shopping centre’s £60m refurbishment nears completion.

Ladies fashion house Ghost London will stock designer fashion and occasion wear from a shop on Park Lane.

It will be the boutique’s second standalone store outside of London and will showcase ready-to-wear clothing, beachwear and the company’s dye-to-order bridal range

Hawes and Curtis will be opening its first store in the region adjacent to Ghost.

Completing a trio of additions on Park Lane is Nespresso, the market leader in premium coffee, with a kiosk that opens later this month. The kiosk will be the brand’s first in the region and will stock the full range of Nespresso products.

Touker Suleyman, Chairman of Ghost London, said: “Meadowhall is a great location for us. As a leading regional fashion and retail destination, it was the perfect choice for us to open.”

It’s not just new retailers who are taking on exciting opportunities in the Meadowhall revamp.

Sports brand JD Sports is set to increase its store size to 11,400 sq ft from 9,500 sq ft.

Transatlantic tour operator Virgin Holidays, which opened in the centre last year, is also extending its interactive store. Next door, one of the UK’s leading toy retailers, The Entertainer, will be returning to Meadowhall with a new 4,700 sq ft store.

There will also be new dining options for shoppers to get their teeth in to.

Pret A Manger is launching its first cafe at Meadowhall, and Coffika, a new coffee concept, will be making its UK debut in the centre.

Completing the additions is a hat-trick of openings in the Oasis Dining Quarter, with Barburrito, Wrapchic and Subway all coming to Meadowhall for the first time.

In addition, Australian tea specialist T2, independent modern gourmet confectioner Treat Kitchen and candy store Gobstoppers have recently opened at the centre.

Richard Crowther, Asset Manager for British Land, the joint owner of Meadowhall, said: “The new and improved retailers and catering brands make Meadowhall even more appealing to visitors from across the region.”

Shopping Overhaul

The £60m refurbishment of Meadowhall, one of six super-regional shopping centres in the UK, started in Autumn 2015 and will be completed by the end of 2017.

The shopping centre will be split into four areas, each with a different theme – The High Street, The Arcade, Park Lane and The Gallery.

There will also be street food including a wood-fired pizza oven and a log cabin smokehouse.

Children can visit Santa’s grotto in the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, plus there will be donkey rides, Shetland pony carriage rides and Santa’s elves. Reindeer will be visiting on November 27 at 2pm in Bath Gardens. For full information email bakewellchristmasmarket@btinternet.com

Christmas countdown

We know it’s still only October, but already you can’t move on the high street without seeing some kind of Christmas merchandise.

There is one particular type of merchandise that has started to appear on the shelves this week, and it’s got us very excited - beauty advent calendars.

These indulgent little calendars contain sample and full-sized beauty products and are available from a variety of retailers. Last year, they sold out weeks before December, proving we’re all big kids at heart - and that we want to pamper ourselves.

They’re available from many stores, but here are just some of our favourites: Kiss Advent Calendar from Wilko, Flutter Beauty Advent from Superdrug, No7 calendar from Boots, Lush calendar, The Body Shop calendar, the House of Fraser calendar and Selfridges calendar.

Support local shops

Statistics released this week reveal that fashion brands have seen almost a £700 million slump in sales over the last year.

Experts say the data, from Kantar Worldpanel, shows that shoppers are now used to finding bargains and discounts, especially online, and are more reluctant to spend big on luxury brands.

We have to say, we are surprised. While we love discounts as much as everybody else, we also love going to the shops and treating ourselves to something special. However you choose to shop we would ask you to support the local economy.

Carboot sale returns

Pedlars Corner Community Flea and Carboot returns to Sheffield Antiques Quarter on November 6.

With about 40 to 50 traders outside and a limited number inside, savvy shoppers will be sure to find a bargain. The event, based at the iconic Abbeydale Picture House, will go ahead whatever the weather.

The event was set up to give the local community the opportunity to sell off unwanted items and also to provide additional income for residents and develop a social event in the area.

This sparkling shoe will take you effortlessly from day to night. We love the extra star detailing on the small heels. The suede material also gives the shoe a luxurious feel. These are shoes you will keep for years and want to wear for every occasion.

Jolene Boucle gloves; Accessorize, £20

These leather gloves are the perfect addition to any of your winter outfits. We love the colour and intricate boucle weaves. Elasticated wrists create a secure fit, and help to make sure your hands are kept toasty .

Star joggers; Lipsy, £20

As the nights get darker, we want more comfort. Nothing says getting cosy like a pulling on a pair of joggers, but these show you can still be stylish.